Obit: Lasiuk, Richard J. (1930 – 2017)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lasiuk, Blenasz, Olocki, Kazle, Warburton, Tetrault, Blanchette, Kocher, Patranovich, Opoka

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 13 Dec 2017

Lasiuk, Richard J. (8 NOV 1930 – 11 DEC 2017)

Richard Joseph Lasiuk, age 87, of Hudson, formerly of Eau Claire and Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), passed away peacefully December 11, 2017, at the Christian Community Home in Hudson.

Rich was born November 8, 1930, in Thorp, WI to Stanley and Josephine (Blenasz) Lasiuk. He grew up and attended school in Thorp. Rich met the love of his life, MaryAnn Olocki, at a polka dance, and they were united in marriage on June 16, 1953, at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. The couple was blessed with six children: Debbie, Jazzelle, Rick (Richard Jr.), John, David, and Joanie. The family made their home Thorp where Rich owned and operated Electronic Engineering Service, a television repair business. He was responsible for bringing color television to Thorp. In the mid 70's, Rich took a job as an electronic engineer for WEAU television in Eau Claire. During his time at WEAU, he helped maintain the 2,000-foot Fairchild television broadcast tower and enjoyed continuing education and certification classes held in Madison. Rich retired in 1996, allowing him the freedom to spend more time with family and travel; Rich and Mary Ann often spent their winters in Hawaii or Florida.,

Rich was a driven and very accomplished man. He built three houses for his family to live in, and created a television repair shop he worked out of in Thorp. He also remodeled the inside of a church in Fall Creek. Rich enjoyed smelt fishing on Lake Michigan as well as simply motoring around Lake Holcomb on his homemade pontoon boat. He had a passion for ham radio and model trains, and sometime went out of his way for the chance to see a steam locomotive. Rich was a devoted Catholic and faithfully attended Sunday Mass.

Rich will remain in the hearts of his children: Debbie Kazle, Jazzelle Lasiuk, John (Rose) Lasiuk, David Lasiuk, and Joanie Lasiuk; daughter-in-law, Shawna Lasiuk; grandchildren: Leah Lasiuk, Sarah (Mike) Warburton, Anna (John) Tetrault, Alexander and Zachary Lasiuk, Ariel (Darrin) Blanchette, Jordan and Shelby Kocher; sister, Genevieve Petranovich; nieces, nephews, all relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; son, Rick Lasiuk; son-in-law, Larry Kazle; sister, Helene (Fred) Opoka; and brother-in-law, Jim Petranovich.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on ' Saturday, December 16, 2017, at St. Patrick Catholic' Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Meal to follow after Mass. Burial at the New St. Hedwig's Catholic Cemetery in Thorp - TBD.

Services entrusted to the O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI, (715) 386-3725. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.